expert type icon EXPERT

Jeffrey Rottman, MD

Cardiologist

Dr. Jeffrey Rottman is a cardiologist practicing in Nashville, TN. Dr. Rottman specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. These conditions include heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Rottman also practices preventative medicine, helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life.
Jeffrey Rottman, MD
  • Nashville, TN
  • Accepting new patients

Heart medication alternatives

Ask the provider who prescribed this item and share the reasons for your intolerance of it.

Heart Palpitations

I cannot evaluate the basis for a referral or the absence of one from the information presented. Ambulatory ECG monitoring can objectively demonstrate whether the palpitations READ MORE
I cannot evaluate the basis for a referral or the absence of one from the information presented. Ambulatory ECG monitoring can objectively demonstrate whether the palpitations are associated with a heart rhythm abnormality.

Blood thinners

It may be related to the agents, it might not. You should continue to take aspirin and clopidogrel.

CK lab was high and still discharged from hospital.

Troponin is preferred to CK for heart diagnoses.

Echo

Anxiety can affect your well being but should not have a major effect on the test results.

Results and medication

What is the question? Reading dobutamine echos is an art so questions about reading the images are best directed to someone who routinely does them (I don't).

Concerned about Blood Pressure, but confused about advice

The doctor is correct.  The standard for high BP is 140/90. A recent study showed that control to 130/80 results in superior outcomes. The first step in control is lifestyle changes, READ MORE
The doctor is correct.  The standard for high BP is 140/90. A recent study showed that control to 130/80 results in superior outcomes. The first step in control is lifestyle changes, which you are doing.

Blood pressure

If you are not dizzy when you stand up that is great.

Pleural effusion

A pleural effusion is best addressed by a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Stress test?

A "blunted heart rate response means that the increased heart rate with exercise was less than typical. Such a response would be expected with the use of metoprolol. Without details, READ MORE
A "blunted heart rate response means that the increased heart rate with exercise was less than typical. Such a response would be expected with the use of metoprolol. Without details, I really cannot say more since I don't have the necessary information.

Left Chest Pain. Quick onset, quickly goes away

Sharp pains are unlikely to represent angina, but an evaluation including troponin might be helpful. So I would recommend an evaluation. I cannot comment on your scheduling difficulties. READ MORE
Sharp pains are unlikely to represent angina, but an evaluation including troponin might be helpful. So I would recommend an evaluation. I cannot comment on your scheduling difficulties.

Prolonged Chest Pain

Feeling "out of it" and prolonged chest pain are not typical features of chest pain originating with the heart. What did the EKG show (not just "abnormal"; if specifically abnormal READ MORE
Feeling "out of it" and prolonged chest pain are not typical features of chest pain originating with the heart. What did the EKG show (not just "abnormal"; if specifically abnormal I would have expected hospital admission)? Why has a 20-year-old smoked heavily for almost 8 years? If you are concerned about your health you should stop smoking.

Having a in large heart

It is difficult to know without more precise information. I assume this is an enlarged heart diagnosis how? Usually, a stress test would provide definitive information. This is READ MORE
It is difficult to know without more precise information. I assume this is an enlarged heart diagnosis how? Usually, a stress test would provide definitive information. This is a question best directed to the provider who first informed you that you had an enlarged heart.

can my husband take viagra?

That is a question he should ask his practitioner. There is no easy answer. He is not taking any nitrate preparation according to your information.

Palpitations

About 1/2 of palpitations do not correspond to a heart rhythm abnormality.

What is the usual treatment for tachycardia?

There are different types of tachycardia, usually classified by the site of origin. Sinus tachycardia is typically addressed by treating the underlying cause. Non-sinus supraventricular READ MORE
There are different types of tachycardia, usually classified by the site of origin. Sinus tachycardia is typically addressed by treating the underlying cause. Non-sinus supraventricular tachycardias can be treated either pharmacologically or with a specialized procedure. Most ventricular tachycardias reflect some underlying heart disease and treatment often involves an implanted defibrillator.

Which is the safest hypertension medication?

There is no "safest" medication. All of them have side effects and intended effects.

How long after a heart stent can you exercise?

In general after 10 days returning to a prior level of activity would be fine. It depends on whether other narrowing(s) resulting in expected decreased coronary blood flow and READ MORE
In general after 10 days returning to a prior level of activity would be fine. It depends on whether other narrowing(s) resulting in expected decreased coronary blood flow and symptoms that were not capable of being "stented" were also present and whether problems associated with the stent procedure occurred.

Can you live a normal life after heart stent surgery?

Yes. The intent of placing a stent is that as long as you take the medication (once or twice a  day) you can engage in all of your usual activities.